Torque wrench
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
I'm not sure what the torque specs on on those bolts, but I would highly recommend both at 1/2 and a 3/8 drive wrench. Just ONE broken bolt or machine screw, and you'll wish you had.
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From: Cleveland Zoo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Dubuque, IA
You'll get a lot more use out of a 1/4" and 3/8" than you will a 1/2" drive. There's quite a bit of that 120 in.lb. spec'd bolts which is 10ft.lb. and you want a torque wrench that you aren't using the extreme low end or top end of the range. They tend to be less accurate there.
Beam is better than clickers too.
Beam is better than clickers too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
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From: South Carolina
The thing about beam type torque wrenches is that they are a pain in the *** if you are working in a tight spot and you can`t see the marks.
45 years working on jet engines has taught me to hate those things with a passion.
Beam type are for big shops that buy a lot of wrenches, because they`re cheaper.
Do yourself a favor and buy micrometer click type, and take care of it like the instructions say.
No digital crap that needs batteries either.
45 years working on jet engines has taught me to hate those things with a passion.
Beam type are for big shops that buy a lot of wrenches, because they`re cheaper.
Do yourself a favor and buy micrometer click type, and take care of it like the instructions say.
No digital crap that needs batteries either.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 18, 2020 at 07:17 PM.
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2020
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From: Vermont
Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. I plan on doing some shopping in the next day or two. Again, thanks for the advice. I gotta say, I was slightly reluctant to join a forum but I’m glad I did already. And this is just the beginning!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
FWIW....
I used a beam torque wrench for years.... no problems really, other than reading the scale..
Then about 15 years ago, sears had a sale.... I got a 1/4" inch lb, a 3/8" ft lb, and a 1/2" ft lb clicker style torque wrenches... used them until recently...
The I decided to upgrade the 1/2" and 1/4" to a digital w/light & beep The 1/2" also has torque + angle capabilities... not cheap, but kinda nice. I actually like them better than the clicker style except for the battery issue, I'm sure the batteries will die right when I need a torque wrench.... but I still have the clickers as a back up...
IMHO... for best bang for the buck, get a clicker style.... and don't forget to store it with the tension released to preserve the calibration...
Of course, if you have a tool sickness like me, you can always get a drawer full of torque wrenches...
I used a beam torque wrench for years.... no problems really, other than reading the scale..
Then about 15 years ago, sears had a sale.... I got a 1/4" inch lb, a 3/8" ft lb, and a 1/2" ft lb clicker style torque wrenches... used them until recently...
The I decided to upgrade the 1/2" and 1/4" to a digital w/light & beep The 1/2" also has torque + angle capabilities... not cheap, but kinda nice. I actually like them better than the clicker style except for the battery issue, I'm sure the batteries will die right when I need a torque wrench.... but I still have the clickers as a back up...
IMHO... for best bang for the buck, get a clicker style.... and don't forget to store it with the tension released to preserve the calibration...
Of course, if you have a tool sickness like me, you can always get a drawer full of torque wrenches...
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Dubuque, IA
Reading the beams can be a pain I agree and like hattitude, I've got a collection of both. I do have more clickers but I also have one in particular, a 1/4" drive I bought specifically for the range discussed here that was so far off right out of the box it wasn't even funny.
I do have a very reliable/accurate 3/8 drive tho.
Can never have too many tools.
I do have a very reliable/accurate 3/8 drive tho.
Can never have too many tools.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 2,860
From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
You'll get a lot more use out of a 1/4" and 3/8" than you will a 1/2" drive. There's quite a bit of that 120 in.lb. spec'd bolts which is 10ft.lb. and you want a torque wrench that you aren't using the extreme low end or top end of the range. They tend to be less accurate there.
Beam is better than clickers too.
Beam is better than clickers too.
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